Clergy sexual abuse has had a profound and devastating impact on countless lives, leaving survivors with deep emotional and psychological scars. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are unwavering in our commitment to supporting and advocating for abuse survivors in Pennsylvania, providing the legal assistance they need to seek justice and healing.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers stands out for its proven track record and compassionate approach in handling clergy sexual abuse cases. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept at navigating the complexities of these sensitive cases, ensuring that survivors receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
| $14.2 Million Priest grooming and handling | $4.1 Million Deacon assault and rape | $3 Million Clergy child abuse filed in adulthood |
| $2.5 Million Volunteer-perpetrated Catholic church abuse | $2.3 Million Religious school priest teen sexual abuse | $1.5 Million Clergy abuse case filed against a deceased priest |
Our commitment to strict confidentiality and sensitivity means that your case will be handled with respect and discretion, offering peace of mind as you seek justice throughout the legal process.
Table of Contents
Prevalence of Clergy Abuse in Pennsylvania
The issue of clergy sex abuse in Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania is both widespread and deeply troubling. A comprehensive grand jury report released by the state supreme court in 2018 provided a thorough examination of the systemic abuse and subsequent cover-ups that have plagued the Catholic Church for decades. [1]
The investigation uncovered more than 300 “predator priests” who were found to have committed sexual abuse. These Catholic church clergy members harmed potentially thousands of children, some of whom suffered in silence for years or even decades.
The church’s systematic efforts to conceal the abuse were meticulously detailed, showcasing the lengths to which it went to protect its image rather than protect children. Spanning nearly 900 pages of church documents, this report is one of the largest of its kind in sexual abuse within the Catholic Church in the United States. [1]
Notable Catholic Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Priests
In the wake of the grand jury report, a couple of high-profile cases involving Catholic priests have garnered significant media attention due to the egregious nature of the abuse and the prominence of the figures involved.
After being accused of molesting minors, Father Edward Ganster transferred to another diocese, where he continued his abusive conduct. Church officials also provided him with a positive reference to work at Disney World, despite having received credible allegations of him sexually abusing a boy. [2]
Father Thomas Skotek was documented in the grand jury report as having abused several young girls over multiple years. After raping a girl, he helped her obtain an abortion after she became pregnant, and the case resulted in a $75,000 settlement. [3]
Common Forms of Clergy Abuse
Clergy abuse can manifest in numerous ways, each profoundly impacting the survivor’s emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. Common forms include:
- Sexual assault
- Emotional manipulation
- Grooming
- Inappropriate touching
- Verbal harassment
The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
The typical victim of priest sexual abuse often includes vulnerable individuals, such as children, adolescents, and even adults seeking spiritual guidance.
Both adult and child sex abuse survivors commonly suffer from profound emotional and psychological injuries, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Physical injuries can also occur, leading to a lifelong impact on their health and well-being.
Common Signs of Priest Sexual Abuse Among Child Victims
Recognizing the signs of child sexual abuse is essential for early intervention and support. Common signs among child sexual abuse survivors include:
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Behavioral changes
- Sleep problems
- Academic decline
- Sexualized behavior
Eligibility to File a Clergy Abuse Lawsuit
Filing a claim is a legal right afforded to several categories of survivors of clergy sex abuse in Pennsylvania. These include child victims and their parents, who can seek justice on behalf of their children.
Adult victims who have experienced abuse or assault also have the legal standing to file a claim. Additionally, adult survivors who were sexually abused as minors may be able to pursue civil litigation.
Liability in Clergy Abuse Cases
In cases of sexual abuse committed by a clergy member, liability can be attributed to both individual clergy members and the religious institutions that employ them.
Individual liability encompasses a criminal case that clergy members may face for their abusive actions, such as sexual assault or exploitation. Additionally, clergy members can be held civilly liable, permitting survivors to seek damages through lawsuits for the trauma and injuries suffered.
Institutional liability holds religious organizations accountable under various legal theories when there is a connection between the institution’s negligence and the abuse. These theories include negligent hiring or supervision, failure to report known or suspected abuse, and vicarious liability.
Proving institutional liability requires establishing a direct link between the organization’s actions or inactions and the abuse that occurred.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse against all defendants extends until the victim reaches the age of 55. There is no lookback window available, despite ongoing discussions on the matter.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Pennsylvania Clergy Abuse Lawyers
The clergy abuse lawyers from our law firm have extensive experience handling a comprehensive range of cases, including:
- Abuse by priests, pastors, and other religious and church leaders
- Abuse within various religious institutions, such as the Catholic Church, Protestant churches, and more
We handle cases involving clergy abuse in dioceses such as the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and other parishes within the catholic dioceses.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
If you are a victim of clergy sexual abuse in Pennsylvania, it is crucial to take specific steps to protect your legal rights and seek justice.
- Immediate Steps to Ensure Safety and Well-Being: If you are a victim of clergy sexual abuse, your first priority should be your safety. Contact local law enforcement to report child abuse and sexual assault.
- Importance of Documenting Abuse: Keep detailed records of incidents, including dates, locations, and the names and contact information of any witnesses. Preserve any physical evidence and maintain a journal of your emotional and psychological state.
- Seek Legal Help: Contact experienced attorneys like Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers to help you seek justice and compensation for your pain and suffering.
Survivors in Pennsylvania can access support through organizations like the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) [4] and local support groups such as Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR). [5] These organizations provide counseling, advocacy, and resources to help you navigate through this challenging time.
How Our Pennsylvania Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help
Our Pennsylvania clergy sexual abuse lawyers possess the specialized knowledge and experience needed to advocate effectively on behalf of survivors. Here’s how we can help:
- Our first step is to provide a free, confidential consultation to assess your case. We will discuss the details and determine the best legal strategy.
- Our team will conduct a comprehensive investigation, gathering critical evidence such as documentation, witness statements, and expert testimonies to build a strong case.
- Once sufficient evidence is gathered, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf. Potential outcomes may include compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other damages.
- Our lawyers are skilled negotiators, striving for a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to advocate for you aggressively in court to achieve the best possible outcome.
The Cost of Hiring Our Pennsylvania Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Understanding the costs associated with legal representation is crucial for survivors seeking justice. Our Pennsylvania clergy sexual abuse attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis.
This means that you will not incur any upfront costs for our legal services. Instead, we only get paid if we successfully secure compensation on your behalf. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or award, ensuring that our interests are aligned with yours.
This arrangement enables you to pursue justice without the added financial stress, knowing that our team is fully committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
Victims of priest sexual abuse may be entitled to various types of compensation to help address the impact of their trauma. There are several key categories of compensation available, such as:
- Medical Expenses: These economic damages are for physical injuries sustained as a result of the abuse, as well as expenses related to mental health treatments such as therapy and counseling.
- Emotional Distress: Victims often suffer significant psychological harm. Compensation can be awarded for the emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues that arise from the abuse.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish the perpetrator and the institution that enabled the abuse. These damages are intended to deter similar misconduct in the future.
Several factors influence the amount of compensation a victim may receive, including the severity and duration of the abuse, the impact on the victim’s life, and the evidence presented in the case. Additionally, the willingness of the responsible institution to settle and the jurisdiction in which the lawsuit is filed can affect the final compensation amount.
Contact Our Pennsylvania Clergy Abuse Lawyers Today!
If you or someone you know has been a victim of clergy sexual abuse in Pennsylvania, it is crucial to step forward and seek legal guidance immediately. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective representation to ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve for being sexually abused.
Contact us today by calling (888) 424-5757 or reaching out online.
Related Practice Areas
Pennsylvania Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
Allentown Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Erie Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Philadelphia Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Pittsburgh Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Reading Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] NPR, [2] CBS News, [3] Times Leader, [4] PCAR, [5] PAAR
All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.
